White Seagull is not a large bird. Belongs to the eukaryots, the type of chordovs, a detachment of ryeshaped, the seagull family. Forms a separate genus and view. Differs completely white body color.
Description
Adults become white at the end of the second year of life. Feathers at any time of the year have white color with an insignificant shade of ivory. There is also the presence of yellowness on the wings, but infrequently.
The eyes are dark brown. The rings around the eyes are red, they can blacken in winter. The beak acquires a gray color with a small blue. Sometimes, green with gray tint. At the tip of the beak, an orange or yellow tone prevails. The legs are black.
In babies in the first year of life, the color of the body is white with chaotic interspersing of black alpine. Black and brown areas are located in the area of the eyes and throat. The beak of the chicks is somewhat lighter than the parents. Gray-green.
Features of appearance do not allow a bird to confuse with other representatives of the family. There are many outwardly similar species, but a white gull is not a large representative, so it is not difficult to distinguish.
As a rule, white seagulls do not make sounds. But their voice looks like a crackling cry, like Kri-Cri.
Habitat
Prefer to populate high latitudes in the Arctic zones. In Eurasia, it is mainly found on the islands of the Arctic. Popularized in Canada, Spitsbergen. Also settle in the Greenland area
The southern border of distribution extends along the shores of the ice of the Arctic. Can also visit the southern areas. For example, British Islands. It is not often possible to meet on the mainland coast of European Eurasia. Precedents are known when white seagulls were seen on the shores of the Kola Peninsula.
Prefer to settle in pairs or small colonies. Favorite places of settlement flat and open areas. Often the nests on the rocks. They like to nest near the sea coast, but sometimes they are seen in rather strong remoteness from the usual places of nesting.
Choose places where there are sea ice or mainland glaciers nearby. Returning home after propagation in March June. The couple is engaged in the construction of housing together. Usually, large nests are built, combining moss, dry herbs, algae and other materials of plant origin in the “interior”.
Food
Like most family representatives, white seagulls are carnivorous. The diet includes insects, ground mammals and other birds. Food is extracted both on Earth and on the water. They prefer to get fish, mollusks, crustaceans and water insects from the water. Are distinguished by the habit of destroying other people’s nests in search of eggs. If necessary, they can hold out for falling. Also arrange raids on landfills if there are no best options. Do not disdain with seeds and berries, plant garbage.
Interesting Facts
- Since a white seagull hunts for the inhabitants of the waters, she often in their tenacious paws. Of course, opening them is not easy. But the birds came up with a way out. Soaring into the air at 20 meters, they throw prey down. Going down and finding that the sink crashed, the seagulls are starting to me.
- Like all seagulls, whites hold excellently on the water surface, but they do not love to dive. Prefer to catch food under the surface of the water.
- White Seagull is one of the most small in the family. At the same time is a bright representative due to an interesting appearance.
- In all areas of the habitat, the number of species is rapidly reduced. This is due to the active melting of glaciers.
